Former test cricketer and batting legend, Hanif Mohammad passed away at the age of 81 in Karachi, today. Shoaib Mohammad, the son of Hanif Mohammad confirmed the news.
The cricketer was battling lung cancer and had been undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital. He had undergone surgery in London back in 2013 and was shifted to the ventilator a few days back.
His son was initially misinformed about his father’s death earlier today and the reports started surfacing. Shoaib Mohammad then clarified that Hanif Muhammad’s heartbeat was weak. which was mistaken for his death.
The cricketer, who was dubbed as ‘The Little Master’, was admitted to the hospital a week ago; his condition was termed as critical by the doctors.
View some the pictures from his early cricket days.
Tweets started pouring in as cricketers mourned the legend’s death. Star cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Imran Khan, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram and others were deeply saddened by the loss.
ICC expresses sadness at the passing of Hall of Famer Hanif Mohammad https://t.co/OCvUmc4kzH
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) August 11, 2016
Hanif Mohammad was born on December 21st, 1934 in Junagarh. He represented Pakistan in 55 test games, scoring 3,915 runs between the years 1952-53 and 1969 -70. Hanif made an average of 43.98 comprising of 12 hundreds.
The veteran batsman holds a record for the highest score of 337 runs in an innings by a Pakistani batsman. In the year 1958-59, Hanif outdid Sir Don Bradman’s record for the highest first-class innings batsman.
Rest In Peace Little Master. The Legendary batsmen Hanif Mohammad will be missed but never forgotten.My Love to Shoaib & family at this time
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 11, 2016
Sad day for Pakistan one of the greats "Hanif Mohammad" passed away…..#RIP
— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) August 11, 2016
From my book on the great Hanif Mohammad. Where ever he rests, I bet he’s still bloody tough to get out. pic.twitter.com/UIrv9fYzcK
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) August 11, 2016
His 337 knock against West Indies in a Test at Bridgetown in 1957-58, is regarded as one of the classic knocks in cricket history. His knock helped Pakistan draw the game.
To this day, it remains one of the longest innings of a Test match.
Sad to hear the passing away of great Hanif Mohammad-the original Little Master.. So grateful for setting up the show for all us cricketers!
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) August 11, 2016
One more legend passed away!
The Legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad will b missed but never forgotten😕#RIP #LittleMaster— Syeda Nain Abidi (@SyedaNain18) August 11, 2016
Hanif Mohammad was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968.
In January 2009, Hanif Mohammad along with Imran Khan and Javed Miandad were named amongst the inaugural batch of 55 inductees into the ICC’s Hall of Fame.
Legendary Pakistani Actress Shamim Ara Passes Away in London